Assistant Professor - Genetic Optimization and Trait Engineering for Potato Improvement

Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University welcomes applications for a full-time, nine-month tenure-track position in Genetic Optimization and Trait Engineering for Potato Improvement at the Assistant Professor level. The successful candidate will lead an internationally recognized breeding and genetics program to bridge fundamental and applied plant science with a focus on potato variety development. The person hired will be expected to integrate new methods and/or tools to improve the efficiency of plant breeding and address critical challenges faced by growers/producers in New York State and the northeastern United States. Current challenges include the need for varieties resistant to: golden cyst nematode race Ro2, for which insufficient control options currently exist; necrotic strains of potato virus Y and potato mop top virus, which have both emerged as serious pathogens over the past decade; and late blight, the annual threat of which drives numerous fungicide applications to prevent total crop loss. Potatoes that mature earlier are increasingly in demand, as they offer increased flexibility in planting and harvest dates, providing options for avoiding key pests as well as novel crop rotation schemes. The individual will be expected to develop an externally funded research program that includes graduate training, releasing improved cultivars, and building a robust extension program that serves the needs of stakeholders. Responsibilities: This position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% extension. Research (60%) -To solve these and other challenges, it is expected that the successful candidate will utilize advanced research approaches, such as the design and implementation of sophisticated computational pipelines, including use of AI, to synthesize large volumes of genotypic and phenotypic data and inform crossing and selection decisions. The candidate may partner with plant transformation facilities and experts on campus for genome editing. They may contribute to the nascent global effort to re-domesticate potato as a diploid crop, a multi-decade project that, if successful, will considerably simplify future genetic improvement. The individual will be expected to develop an externally funded research program, work closely with stakeholders to identify needs and guide breeding program direction, release improved cultivars, and contribute to graduate and undergraduate training. Over its long history, the Cornell potato breeding program has developed some of the best chip processing germplasm in the world, providing ample commercially relevant biological material for further exploration and development. Extension (40%) - It is e xpected that the candidate will develop a robust extension program focused on potato cultivar development and evaluation, including responsibility for running on-farm trials of candidate varieties developed at Cornell and elsewhere. The unbiased data generated by these trials are essential for New York seed and production growers as they assess new varieties and make investment decisions needed to remain competitive. Consistent and frequent interaction with NY and national stakeholders (Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, seed producers, chip and fresh-market potato growers, chefs, chip plant representatives) in both formal and informal settings is needed to inform breeding priorities. The person hired will also be expected to work with the Empire State Potato Growers to develop the curriculum of NY's annual Potato School, which provides continuing education for NY potato growers and allied support industry personnel. Department Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in the School of Integrative Plant Science with the option to join any of the five sections (Plant Biology, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Soil and Crop Sciences, or Horticulture). A mentoring program will support the personal and professional development of the new faculty member, providing advocacy, guidance, and assistance. Qualifications: A Ph.D. is required in plant breeding, plant genetics/genomics or related discipline. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with stakeholder groups and other researchers across disciplines, attract extramural support, and lead an innovative research/breeding program. Postdoctoral and/or other relevant experience is desirable, with experience preferred in relevant extension/education, student advising, and research. This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY. Relocation assistance may be provided. Consistent with Cornell's practice, appointments to academic positions require candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct. Inquiries may be directed to: Larry Smart, Search Committee Chair School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University In compliance with New York's Pay Transparency Law, the annual base salary range for this assistant professor position is $90,000 - $135,000. This pay range represents base pay (for 9 months). Cornell University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. Cornell's regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. Pay Range: Refer to Posting Language Pay Ranges: The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: Prior relevant work or industry experience. Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position. Academic Discipline Unique applicable skills. Employment Assistance: Notice to Applicants: EEO Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 2026-09-21